Tim Picton: Police provide new details on Northbridge assault that critically injured WA Labor figure

20-year-old Brodie Jake Dewar has been granted bail after allegedly assaulting WA Labor powerbroker, Tim Picton, who is now likely to have a lifelong disability if he wakes from his coma. Mr Picton, 36, was found unconscious outside a licensed venue near the corner of James Street and Mountain Terrace about 5.30am on Saturday and rushed to Royal Perth Hospital. Mr Picton remains in an induced coma on Sunday with horrifying injuries including a fractured skull and multiple brain bleeds. Mr Picton also had a part of his skull removed since the incident. Police prosecutors told the court: “It is believed that he is going to have a lifelong disability due to injury.” Mr Picton is a prominent figure within WA’s political and corporate circles. On Sunday morning Mr Picton’s family said the father remains in a critical condition. “Tim remains in hospital in a critical condition,” the family statement read. “As a family, we are focused entirely on being with him and supporting one another. “We would like to sincerely thank St John Ambulance, the medical team at Royal Perth Hospital and WA Police for their care, professionalism and support. “We also want to thank Tim’s friends and colleagues for the compassion they have shown to our family during this incredibly difficult time. “Tim is a much loved father, husband, brother and son, as well as a friend to so many across Australia.” Mr Dewar’s family, who were seated at the back of the court, told his duty lawyer he was only “reacting” because he thought Mr Picton was going to hit him. “What his family have told me …is that the victim was harassing his cousin, and he’s asked him to leave her alone multiple times,” the duty lawyer said. “(Mr Dewar) has confronted him and he thought he was going to be hit (by Mr Picton), and he’s reacted.” Mr Dewar walked into the courtroom wearing a blue jumpsuit, he broke down in tears as soon as he saw his family. With his hands in a prayer position he repeatedly muttered the word “please” as Magistrate Dianne Scaddan considered bail conditions. He looked towards his mum, who was sobbing uncontrollably, when he mouthed “I love you”. WA Police Assistant Commissioner Metropolitan Region Martin Haime said police did not believe the accused and the alleged victim knew each other but noted investigations were ongoing. He said police did not yet know the motive for the alleged attack, if it was unprovoked or if the two men had seen each other earlier in the night. It is believed by police alcohol was involved in the alleged incident. “This incident is a stark reminder that split-second acts of violence can have devastating, life-changing consequences,” he said. “The community is absolutely tired of seeing this level of violence, it’s completely unacceptable, this time of year should be about celebration and enjoyment, not fear of harm.” The one-time Labor Party state secretary was the architect of Labor’s 2021 state election campaign, which delivered Mark McGowan a record-breaking landslide victory. Appointed to that role and campaign director in 2020, Mr Picton had previously worked for former Victorian premier Dan Andrews before relocating to Western Australia. He is also the brother of South Australian Cabinet Minister Chris Picton. After leaving party politics, Mr Picton took up the role of director of strategy at mining heavyweight Mineral Resources. Mr Dewar faced Perth Magistrates Court on Sunday after being charged with grievous bodily harm. He was granted bail and will appear in Perth Magistrates Court on February 6. Mr Dewar was instructed to pay a $10,000 personal undertaking and $10,000 surety . He has a curfew from 7pm until 7am, he must not leave the state, consume alcohol or contact or attempt to contact Mr Picton or where he lives or works. Magistrate Dianne Scaddan told the court Mr Dewar is facing a “high likelihood of imprisonment”. WA Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage from the area at the time, to contact Crime Stoppers.